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Introduction

India’s West Asia policy rests on strategic multi-alignment, maintaining strong ties with Israel, the United States, Iran, and key Arab Gulf states simultaneously. However, intensifying US–Israel coordination amid regional conflicts and power restructuring efforts complicates India’s carefully calibrated regional balancing strategy.

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How Intensifying US–Israel Coordination Affects India’s Regional Calculus (Strategic Pressures)

• Strains on India–Iran Relations: Stronger US–Israel posture against Iran complicates India’s connectivity and energy interests.
  Eg: US sanctions earlier slowed progress on Chabahar Port development (post-2018 US withdrawal from JCPOA).
• Energy Security Vulnerability: Escalation involving Iran threatens oil supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
  Eg: Nearly 60% of India’s crude imports transit through Hormuz.
• Diplomatic Tightrope on Palestine Issue: Visible alignment with Israel may impact India’s traditional support for Palestine.
  Eg: India historically supported a two-state solution at the UN General Assembly.
• Impact on India–Gulf Relations: Arab states closely monitor India’s positioning in regional conflicts.
  Eg: UAE and Saudi Arabia are among India’s top energy suppliers and investment partners.
• Risk to Indian Diaspora: Regional instability directly affects over 8 million Indian expatriates in Gulf countries.
  Eg: Evacuations during past regional crises such as Operation Raahat (Yemen, 2015).
• Constraint on Strategic Autonomy: Heightened US–Israel military consolidation may pressure India to take clearer positions.
  Eg: Balancing participation in I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-USA grouping) while maintaining Iran ties.

Opportunities and Strategic Adjustments for India

• Deepening Defence Cooperation with Israel: Stronger US–Israel alignment enhances technological collaboration space.
  Eg: Procurement of Barak-8 missile defence systems and Heron drones from Israel.
• Strengthening India–US Strategic Convergence: Regional coordination aligns with broader Indo-Pacific cooperation.
  Eg: Foundational defence agreements such as COMCASA and BECA with the US.
• Economic and Innovation Partnerships: Trilateral and minilateral frameworks expand economic cooperation.
  Eg: I2U2 initiatives in food corridors and renewable energy projects.
• Balancing Through Arab Partnerships: India maintains strong parallel ties with Gulf monarchies.
  Eg: Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with UAE in 2022.
• Leveraging Multipolar Diplomacy: India continues engagement with Iran despite US pressure.
  Eg: Continued operationalisation of Chabahar Port for Afghan connectivity.
• Maintaining Issue-Based Positioning: India avoids formal military alignment in West Asian conflicts.
  Eg: Calls for de-escalation and dialogue in regional conflicts at multilateral forums.

Conclusion

Intensifying US–Israel coordination reshapes West Asia’s power dynamics, posing both risks and opportunities for India. While it complicates India’s balancing act involving Iran and Arab partners, New Delhi’s strategy of calibrated multi-alignment and strategic autonomy allows it to safeguard energy, security, and diaspora interests while deepening selective partnerships.

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